Civil Engineering vs Environmental Engineering | Which Should You Major In?

[@daltoneverhardt377]

I am also an environmental engineer, however I work in designing industrial wastewater treatment systems. From my experience, when people typically bring up the field they typically think and discuss the public sector, however the private sector is one that is rapidly growing. Environmental engineering has a reputation for being niche, which it definitely is more so than some other disciplines, but its not a field where it is so niche that jobs are difficult to find and the field is stagnant. As climate change continues and the population increases, water resources and treatment will become increasingly important. As depressing as it is, environmental engineers are now and will continue to be in demand for our lifetimes at least.

[@RandyLy]

I agree. The issues with climate change are starting to emerge and once people see the urgency, environmental engineering and other related fields will become more popular and in high demand.

[@subashbose2775]

I am a civil engineer undergrad in India and going to pursue environmental engineering in Canada Ontario in 2024 . Environmental engineering is growing in demand and I'm jumping into this .

[@Madhan-Mawien]

My school has Environmental & civil engineer as professional licence Environmental Science as bachelor degree Environmental & Ecology as bachelor degree I was majoring in environmental & ecology but I switched to environmental & civil engineer and I'm in second year now

[@Googliaooota]

Civil Engineers can always get jobs in environmental while the opposite is only true a portion of the time (land development, geotech) but almost never in structural and transportation. I've worked in both, and whichever one you prefer is up to you, but Civil is the more flexible degree. The downside of that is in Civil, there are so many subfields that are so dis-similar, you may have trouble deciding which field to go into, and it's actually a big problem. A degree in Environmental Engineering only leads to a few things (remediation, wastewater, regulation) which are similar.

[@RandyLy]

I don't remember exactly what I said in this video, but yes I agree. Civil Engineers are more flexible.

[@ddaaam]

I’m a highschool student interested in pursuing civil engineering. I do have a big interest about solving problems for our comunity, considering environmental factors and sustainability(before i even wanted to go for city design). Keeping that in mind I sometimes think I should go for environmental eng but kind of feel like with civil you get more job options and it is a better option overall. Do you have any advice?

[@RandyLy]

If you are iffy, I would recommend Civil engineering. Env eng is a subcategory of Civil, so you wouldnt be too focused if ever you decide to switch fields later.

[@rippymcriprip]

I majored in environmental engineering and now work designing water supply infrastructure. Most of my colleagues are civil. Civil is versatile whereas environmental will give you an advantage on specifically environmental jobs which there are typically less of in the US. The current market is still very strong for both backgrounds in Southern California.

[@subashbose2775]

I'm going to pursue environmental engineering in Canada Ontario as my master (was a civil engineering im ug) . Air soil water. Which do u think is the best way to go?

[@rippymcriprip]

@@subashbose2775that’s an open ended question. Idk what the market in Ontario is and I don’t know what you define as better. If you can’t figure that out on your own then you should reconsider entering this field altogether.

[@strange1094]

Would you happen to know what the job market is like in New Jersey as well as Philadelphia?

[@rippymcriprip]

@@strange1094na

[@subashbose2775]

@@rippymcriprip wow did not expect this kind of response. I'm not directly applying to job I'm going to study there. In online u will always see job listings there and opportunities shown but a person I'm this field will have a more indepth knowledge of what the actual field opportunities are like. And the advice u give is to think other field of interest is so negative. There are fields going into air water and more I'm asking which has better opputunities and u say how to define that. Intrest apart one can say which is a better choice. This youtuber says water is better and explains but ur advisory was to don't come to this field. Great advise and I hope u advance in ur field like ur advise

[@ziaurehman7441]

Hello Randy ! I hope you are doing great. Your videos helps me a lot in understanding the basics of environmental engineering. I have done my bachelors in physics and also have one year experience working at health and safety sector in oil and gas industries. Now , I am become very passionate about environmental engineering and want to pursue masters in this field. So, can I do masters in EE with my this background? What are the other courses that would bridge the gap for doing my masters in EE? I would really appreciate your suggestions/recommendations. Thanks !

[@RandyLy]

Yes, you can always switch from whatever Bachelors degree you started with to a Masters in Environmental Engineering. However, that is not up to me to decide, rather it is up to the university you apply to. The prerequisites can be found on your university and their Masters Degree program. They are all different but mine involved mostly advanced math.

[@RougeCrossfire]

Hey Randy, long time since I've posted on one of your vids. Currently double majoring in both civil and environmental as the programs at the university are basically the same but with a few more science credits. Any idea of how to get involved with habitat restoration projects after getting out of school?

[@RandyLy]

Interning and reaching out to your local career center at your university are your best chances. Once you graduate, it will be harder to stand out or have those resources available. If they aren't available, I'd consider volunteering at clubs in your university or asking your professors if they have any projects that they're working on or need any help. You'll probably have to work for free if you go with those routes.

[@strange1094]

Hi Randy, I know you are based in California, but would you happen to know what the job market for environmental engineering is in New Jersey and Philadelphia? I have looked it up on the BLS website, and California was expectedly first in the country, but PA and NJ were also up there. Any insight would be great!

[@amassredradui9308]

I dont know which one should i choose is it good to choose civil engineering and finishing my studies in environmental engineering for my master

[@subashbose2775]

I'm a civil undergrad going to pursue environmental in Canada Ontario as my masters. Which path has better oppurtunites AIR, WATER, or SOIL?

[@operatv8109]

I think we are on same path. 👍

[@subashbose2775]

@@operatv8109 have u decided on which uni are u going. I am still double minded bcos I don't know how the job prospects are there for environmental engineering. But I have got guidance for Australia and there is good scope for environmental and civil degree. + the living cost is easy to manage and part time is not very hard to get compared to Canada. The only drawback for Australia is the tuition fee is it's high compared to canada